Baltic Apprenticeships is proud to sponsor the Middlesbrough Half Marathon on 1st March 2026, with 14 employees taking on the 21.1km challenge to raise funds for Doorways Middlesbrough, a volunteer-led charity supporting people experiencing homelessness across the Tees Valley.
A MAJOR COMMUNITY EVENT FOR THE NORTH EAST
The annual event attracts runners from across the North East, bringing together thousands of runners, volunteers and supporters and raising vital funds for local and national causes. This year, the Baltic Apprenticeships team will be among those coming together for one of the region’s most anticipated community events.
SUPPORTING DOORWAYS MIDDLESBROUGH’S FRONTLINE HOMELESSNESS SERVICES
As well as sponsoring the event, the team are going the extra mile and fundraising to support Doorways’ vital frontline work. Based in Middlesbrough, Doorways provides a safe and welcoming space for people experiencing homelessness and hardship, offering hot meals, care packages and essential items to adults and children.
The charity also supplies clothing and shoes, as well as blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and tents. All services are provided free of charge, with Doorways relying heavily on donations and grant funding to continue its work.
The campaign has already raised significant support, with Baltic Apprenticeships donating an initial £1,000 to Doorways Middlesbrough to help fund frontline homelessness services.
BALTIC APPRENTICESHIPS’ COMMITMENT TO BUILDING SKILLS ACROSS THE TEES VALLEY
Established in Hartlepool and now based in Darlington, Baltic Apprenticeships is deeply connected to the local area. While delivering data and digital training nationwide, the organisation remains committed to supporting skills and opportunity for people and businesses across the Tees Valley.
Most notably, the training provider supports Tees Valley residents and employers through fully funded Adult Skills Fund (ASF) courses, alongside a range of commercially funded training programmes designed to help organisations upskill their workforce, close skills gaps and respond to evolving business needs.
RUNNING TOGETHER FOR A CAUSE THAT MATTERS
The fundraising campaign is being led by Middlesbrough local and Regional Account Director at Baltic Apprenticeships, Patrick Brown, who is also captaining the Baltic Striders – the organisation’s running team.
“The Middlesbrough Half Marathon is one of those events that really shows the strength of our region,” said Patrick.
“People come together to support one another, and that’s exactly what this run represents for us. We’re proud to be raising money for Doorways Middlesbrough and supporting the incredible work they do for people facing homelessness locally, as we truly believe everyone deserves the chance to build a better future.”
RUNNERS OF ALL ABILITIES UNITED BY A SHARED GOAL
The Baltic Striders bring together runners of all abilities, from first-time half marathon runners to more experienced distance runners. For many, the 21.1km challenge involves fitting training around work, family life and other commitments, united by a shared motivation to support a cause that matters locally.
HOW BUSINESSES CAN GET INVOLVED
Businesses are also invited to get involved through a fundraising prize draw. Organisations that donate £25 or more will be entered into a draw to win one of three fully funded DP-900 (Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals) courses, supporting businesses to build essential data skills.
Donations can be made via GoFundMe: Running for Our Region – Supporting Doorways Middlesbrough
A £25 donation can help Doorways provide vital support such as hot meals, warm clothing, care packages or bedding items for people experiencing homelessness –making a direct and meaningful impact across the Tees Valley.
“Data skills are relevant across every sector in Tees Valley, and they give individuals and businesses the tools to adapt, grow and make better decisions,” said Patrick Brown.
“As we encourage donations and continue raising money for those who experience homelessness, offering the chance to access free data training felt like a meaningful way to give back to the organisations that have kindly supported us.”
ALL FUNDS SUPPORT LOCAL HOMELESSNESS SERVICES
All funds raised will go directly to Doorways Middlesbrough, helping to sustain essential services and support for people facing housing insecurity across the Tees Valley.
-ENDS-
About Baltic Apprenticeships
Founded in 2007, Baltic Apprenticeships is an Ofsted Outstanding, award-winning training provider specialising in Data, IT, Digital Marketing, Software Development and Sustainability programmes. The organisation was the first provider to go fully digital, delivering flexible, tech-driven apprenticeships and training across England, underpinned by a human-first approach and its pioneering Be-Spoke model.
Visit: Baltic Apprenticeships
About Doorways Middlesbrough
Doorways Middlesbrough Charity is a volunteer-led community organisation dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping and hardship across Middlesbrough. Operating entirely through volunteers, Doorways provides a safe, warm space and free two-course home-cooked meals three days a week, alongside weekly food provision through surplus donations from local retailers.
Visit: Doorways Middlesbrough